He was fined &#xA3;1,500 with costs of &#xA3;421, by magistrates at Bedlington.

Standstill requirements were introduced as a control measure to prevent another foot and mouth disease outbreak. The court heard that Mr Siswick, a former auctioneer at Ponteland Mart, breached the regulations on two occasions last September.

He moved cattle off North Grange Farm in Ponteland, which at the time was subject to a 20-day standstill. He also failed to make a record of the movement of five cattle to the farm from Longtown Mart.

Northumberland Trading Standards Officer Mick King said: "We are delighted the court has taken this firm action."